rule_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o gentleman_n in_o a_o public_a station_n or_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o civil_a life_n 1._o he_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n 2._o with_o virtue_n proper_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o rank_n and_o station_n 3._o he_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_a resolve_v and_o vigorous_a throughout_o the_o whole_a conduct_n and_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o affair_n 4._o his_o time_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o business_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v vacancy_n for_o religion_n meditation_n friendship_n and_o diversion_n first_o of_o the_o gentleman_n knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o fortune_n that_o knowledge_n better_o become_v or_o that_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o it_o than_o a_o gentleman_n without_o it_o a_o estate_n be_v rather_o cumbersome_a than_o useful_a and_o the_o ignorant_a owner_n must_v be_v the_o tool_n or_o instrument_n of_o another_o ambition_n or_o interest_n the_o prey_n of_o a_o menial_a 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regard_n for_o wise_a constitution_n without_o bigotry_n you_o will_v free_v yourselves_o from_o all_o those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o usher_n in_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o in_o a_o word_n you_o will_v find_v religion_n the_o true_a standard_n of_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n the_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o private_a and_o public_a good_a and_o the_o infallible_a guide_n to_o honour_n and_o happiness_n next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n follow_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o matter_n and_o man_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o every_o part_n in_o every_o act_n of_o life_n but_o especial_o of_o a_o public_a one_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o as_o can_v fancy_v it_o possible_a to_o maintain_v a_o solid_a reputation_n in_o their_o country_n and_o fill_v any_o station_n honourable_o or_o happy_o without_o it_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o empiric_n or_o 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importunity_n of_o pride_n and_o vanity_n it_o be_v worse_o yet_o when_o a_o short_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n end_v in_o perpetual_a infamy_n when_o this_o impotent_a humour_n be_v nourish_v by_o robbery_n and_o injustice_n by_o fraud_n and_o cheat_n commit_v upon_o widow_n and_o orphan_n acquaintance_n and_o friend_n and_o the_o near_a relation_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o amaze_v to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o pride_n shall_v be_v tickle_v by_o a_o false_a and_o fatal_a grandeur_n uphold_v only_o by_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n and_o resolve_v in_o a_o moment_n into_o endelible_a shame_n and_o unretrivable_a ruin_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o case_n look_v upon_o bravery_n not_o as_o the_o mark_n of_o greatness_n but_o ornament_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n not_o as_o the_o pomp_n of_o a_o triumph_n but_o a_o funeral_n and_o my_o luscious_a morsel_n how_o please_v soever_o to_o my_o palate_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o rise_v and_o recoil_v in_o my_o stomach_n as_o to_o 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must_v be_v sure_a that_o his_o call_v be_v lawful_a second_o that_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n three_o that_o his_o attendance_n on_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o extinguish_v his_o concern_v for_o a_o better_a and_o his_o trade_n devour_v his_o religion_n as_o pharaoh_n lean_a kine_n do_v the_o fat_a one_o four_o that_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o proper_a and_o rational_a end_n of_o trading_n first_o he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o his_o call_v be_v lawful_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n minister_v to_o vice_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o perplex_v man_n mind_n with_o unnecessary_a scruple_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o trade_n that_o be_v any_o way_n make_v the_o instrument_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n you_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n minister_v to_o sin_n direct_o and_o necessary_o other_o only_z accidental_o and_o not_o by_o the_o immediate_a intention_n of_o the_o artist_n or_o trader_n but_o the_o abuse_n of_o other_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o trader_n be_v unlawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o no_o pretence_n can_v sanctify_v the_o use_n of_o they_o he_o that_o direct_o and_o immediate_o minister_v to_o a_o sin_n communicate_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o as_o he_o that_o purvey_v for_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o adulterer_n and_o fornicator_n but_o those_o which_o minister_v not_o purposely_o and_o immediate_o but_o accidental_o be_v yet_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a nor_o shall_v the_o trader_n communicate_v in_o those_o abuse_n to_o which_o the_o lust_n and_o vanity_n of_o other_o prostitute_v they_o thus_o tavern_n be_v not_o unlawful_a because_o abuse_v by_o intemperance_n nor_o be_v all_o shop_n of_o clothe_v to_o be_v shut_v because_o thence_o people_n furnish_v themselves_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o inflame_v their_o immodesty_n and_o pride_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_o this_o because_o the_o sin_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o trade_n that_o wine_n who_o full_a draught_n be_v by_o some_o make_a use_n of_o to_o the_o deface_a reason_n and_o enkindle_n lust_n may_v as_o well_o refresh_v the_o weary_a and_o delight_v the_o moderate_a those_o garment_n which_o adorn_v the_o proud_a and_o wanton_a may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o add_v a_o lustre_n to_o greatness_n the_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v insufferable_a if_o every_o profession_n which_o do_v but_o indirect_o and_o casual_o administer_v to_o vice_n be_v therefore_o sinful_a the_o court_n of_o justice_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o because_o often_o time_n the_o bar_n and_o bench_n have_v contribute_v to_o oppress_v injure_v and_o rob_v in_o form_n of_o law_n the_o pulpit_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v because_o man_n have_v sometime_o sow_o the_o seed_n of_o sedition_n and_o slavery_n from_o hence_o all_o the_o art_n either_o of_o war_n or_o peace_n have_v sometime_o serve_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o one_o and_o luxury_n of_o the_o other_o and_o by_o consequence_n will_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o all_o commonwealth_n yet_o here_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o more_o or_o less_o tendency_n any_o trade_n have_v to_o the_o promote_a vice_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o proportion_n the_o more_o or_o less_o eligible_a and_o that_o it_o import_v man_n who_o love_v their_o peace_n and_o happiness_n more_o than_o gain_n not_o to_o debauch_v their_o calling_n themselves_o by_o prostitute_v they_o to_o extravigance_n and_o exorbitance_n and_o project_v profit_n from_o the_o intemperances_n and_n sin_n that_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n that_o his_o call_v be_v innocent_a if_o his_o conduct_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o second_o trade_n ought_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o truth_n justice_n and_o charity_n for_o without_o these_o it_o be_v only_o a_o more_o cleanly_a art_n of_o cheat_v or_o oppression_n sin_n which_o i_o doubt_v can_v receive_v but_o little_a excuse_n or_o mitigation_n from_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o without_o these_o trade_n can_v be_v regular_a and_o easy_a nor_o gain_v comfortable_a and_o delightful_a since_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o confidence_n in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n when_o the_o method_n of_o his_o thrive_a be_v such_o as_o merit_v vengeance_n not_o a_o blessing_n nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v betray_v man_n into_o lie_v and_o knavery_n but_o the_o want_n of_o true_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o true_a faith_n since_o tho'_o many_o by_o undue_a way_n have_v more_o sudden_o enrich_v themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o wealth_n which_o be_v more_o regular_o purchase_v be_v more_o pleasant_a durable_a and_o last_a and_o that_o honest_a and_o equitable_a deal_v be_v the_o sure_a if_o not_o the_o speedy_a way_n to_o wealth_n nor_o be_v there_o i_o believe_v many_o instance_n of_o man_n who_o if_o they_o understand_v their_o business_n have_v ever_o suffer_v much_o by_o their_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n in_o deal_v it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o trader_n shall_v be_v a_o loser_n by_o those_o virtue_n which_o advance_v credit_n and_o reputation_n but_o however_o this_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o inquire_v after_o wealth_n but_o happiness_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o which_o i_o be_o very_o positive_a that_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o measure_n be_v indispensible_a since_o the_o contrary_n must_v needs_o pervert_v the_o mind_n and_o entangle_v life_n and_o as_o they_o extinguish_v in_o the_o soul_n all_o spark_n of_o honour_n and_o greatness_n so_o must_v they_o its_o courage_n and_o confidence_n tranquillity_n and_o peace_n which_o can_v result_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o due_a moderation_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o integrity_n three_o the_o trader_n attendance_n on_o his_o call_v must_v not_o discharge_v he_o from_o his_o attendance_n on_o religion_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v common_o say_v and_o general_o admit_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o secular_a call_v be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o understand_v that_o so_o neither_o a_o veneration_n for_o religion_n breed_v a_o neglect_n of_o your_o calling_n nor_o a_o overfond_a opinion_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o industry_n in_o your_o call_v as_o if_o all_o virtue_n be_v comprise_v in_o it_o breed_v a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a therefore_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o art_n and_o trade_n have_v not_o in_o themselves_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a tendency_n either_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o production_n of_o virtue_n they_o minister_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o
all_o their_o train_n or_o retinue_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o soul_n now_o because_o all_o morality_n consist_v in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o our_o great_a and_o bountiful_a author_n confer_v upon_o we_o therefore_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n the_o true_a life_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n a_o active_a employ_v it_o in_o its_o due_a function_n and_o office_n a_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n to_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o being_n to_o live_v then_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n be_v to_o know_v and_o contemplate_v to_o love_v and_o pursue_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a good_a of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o we_o be_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o conversant_a about_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o (null)_o life_n but_o deviation_n from_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o pause_v a_o little_a to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o almighty_a architect_n who_o have_v contrive_v a_o inseparable_a connection_n and_o necessary_a dependence_n between_o life_n perfection_n and_o fruition_n every_o rational_a act_n every_o right_a use_n or_o exertion_n of_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o moral_a life_n so_o do_v it_o contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o being_n and_o to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o felicity_n of_o our_o state_n for_o perfection_n be_v the_o result_n of_o such_o repeat_v act_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o entertain_a ourselves_o with_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a object_n happy_a man_n to_o who_o to_o live_v improve_v and_o enjoy_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o can_v defeat_v god_n goodness_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n but_o by_o pervert_v his_o nature_n and_o deprave_v his_o faculty_n but_o by_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n or_o none_o at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o we_o examine_v this_o notion_n of_o life_n more_o close_o and_o distinct_o and_o resolve_v this_o general_a account_n of_o it_o into_o several_a particular_n we_o shall_v easy_o arrive_v at_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o it_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o account_n of_o life_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o sloth_n in_o the_o mere_a marriage_n or_o cohabitation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o mere_a duration_n or_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n solomon_n indeed_o out_o of_o a_o natural_a abhorrence_n of_o death_n tell_v we_o true_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o a_o pleasant_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n eccl._n 2.7_o something_o it_o be_v if_o we_o must_v call_v it_o pleasure_n it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o low_a one_o such_o as_o all_o the_o irrational_a creature_n but_o bat_n and_o owl_n and_o mole_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o according_a to_o my_o philosophy_n it_o can_v never_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n he_o that_o possess_v vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o life_n but_o he_o only_o that_o exert_v they_o life_n to_o live_v be_v not_o to_o spend_v or_o waste_v our_o time_n but_o to_o employ_v it_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a history_n of_o life_n when_o it_o can_v all_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o few_o syllable_n of_o a_o funeral_n ring_n he_o live_v to_o or_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v he_o die_v such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o month_n such_o a_o year_n of_o his_o age_n for_o indeed_o he_o live_v not_o at_o all_o life_n be_v a_o mere_a dream_n not_o only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o shortness_n but_o also_o of_o its_o night_n and_o lethargy_n when_o stupid_a ignorance_n confine_n and_o dim_v the_o prospect_n and_o sluggishness_n enfeeble_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n vigour_n and_o activity_n fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n make_v up_o life_n without_o these_o life_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a embryo_n a_o mingle_a twilight_n that_o never_o will_v be_v day_n the_o image_n the_o slothful_a form_n of_o thing_n be_v faint_a and_o obscure_a like_a picture_n draw_v in_o watery_a colour_n and_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a stroke_n and_o vanish_v as_o easy_a as_o those_o half_a sound_n and_o imperfect_a form_n which_o we_o take_v in_o between_o sleep_n and_o wake_v all_o their_o passion_n move_v drowsy_o and_o heavy_o and_o all_o their_o entertainment_n have_v no_o more_o relish_n than_o abortive_a fruit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v ripen_v into_o sweetness_n or_o beauty_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v any_o one_o thus_o waste_v away_o a_o whole_a life_n without_o ever_o be_v once_o well_o awake_a in_o it_o pass_v through_o the_o world_n like_o a_o heedless_a traveller_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o observation_n without_o any_o design_n or_o purpose_n beseem_v a_o man_n ah_o think_v i_o be_v this_o that_o creature_n for_o which_o this_o great_a theatre_n the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o adorn_v and_o so_o enrich_v be_v this_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o the_o world_n the_o top_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n a_o little_a inferior_a to_o angel_n and_o ally_v to_o god_n be_v this_o machine_n act_v by_o a_o move_a flame_n and_o by_o a_o wise_a and_o immortal_a spirit_n ah_o how_o much_o be_v this_o poor_a useless_a stupid_a thing_n sink_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n and_o design_n of_o its_o nature_n how_o far_o short_a be_v it_o fall_v of_o the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v destine_v it_o shall_v this_o contemplative_a thing_n ever_o be_v admit_v to_o eternal_a life_n who_o have_v so_o wretched_o fool_v away_o this_o temporal_a one_o or_o can_v crown_n and_o kingdom_n be_v reserve_v for_o one_o who_o have_v be_v so_o ill_a a_o steward_n of_o all_o these_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o no_o sure_o i_o can_v upon_o the_o first_o think_v imagine_v his_o sluggish_a soul_n will_v vanish_v like_o those_o of_o brute_n or_o as_o the_o stoic_n fancy_n those_o of_o fool_n i_o can_v easy_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v sleep_v not_o as_o some_o fancy_n all_o soul_n do_v to_o the_o resurrection_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n but_o upon_o better_a consideration_n i_o find_v this_o ignorant_a and_o incogitant_fw-la life_n be_v not_o so_o innocent_a as_o to_o deserve_v no_o worse_o a_o fate_n for_o be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o live_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a endow_v with_o so_o many_o talent_n to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o our_o creation_n to_o choke_v and_o stifle_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o perfection_n to_o quench_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o a_o small_a crime_n to_o be_v false_a and_o perfidious_a to_o god_n unjust_a and_o injurious_a to_o man_n no_o it_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o the_o last_o audit_n or_o day_n of_o account_n be_v represent_v the_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o must_v undergo_v one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n second_o life_n can_v consist_v in_o sensuality_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a caress_v our_o sense_n or_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o life_n for_o first_o this_o be_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o inferior_a and_o ignoble_a too_o second_o it_o be_v not_o a_o employment_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n first_o sensuality_n employ_v only_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o we_o st._n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o seem_v to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n of_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o some_o both_o divine_n and_o philosopher_n of_o no_o small_a note_n both_o modern_a and_o ancient_a have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a soul_n in_o man_n a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a one_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o sensualist_n tho'_o he_o seem_v fond_a of_o life_n do_v foolish_o contemn_v the_o better_a half_n of_o it_o and_o as_o much_o a_o slave_n to_o pleasure_n as_o he_o be_v he_o choose_v to_o drink_v only_o the_o dregs_o and_o let_v the_o pure_a stream_n of_o sprightly_a and_o delicious_a life_n pass_v by_o untasted_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o rational_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o sensitive_a and_o a_o rational_a life_n too_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o one_o another_o
call_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n but_o storm_n and_o agony_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o darkness_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v ignorance_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o passion_n be_v but_o fury_n unchained_a and_o let_v loose_a four_o have_v thus_o by_o resolve_v particular_o concern_v life_n that_o it_o consist_v not_o either_o in_o sloth_n or_o sensuality_n worldliness_n or_o devilishness_n point_v out_o those_o fatal_a error_n which_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o it_o be_v wherein_o life_n do_v more_o immediate_o and_o particular_o consist_v that_o be_v in_o a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a employment_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n when_o i_o make_v reason_n the_o director_n and_o guide_n of_o (null)_o life_n when_o i_o constitute_v it_o dictator_n over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n i_o do_v no_o more_o mean_a to_o exclude_v the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o when_o i_o affirm_v the_o eye_n to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o body_n i_o intend_v to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o light_n to_o good_a eye_n or_o of_o spectacle_n and_o collyrium_n to_o dim_v or_o disturb_a one_o the_o proposition_n thus_o guard_v will_v appear_v indisputable_a to_o any_o who_o shall_v consider_v the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n be_v a_o truth_n never_o hitherto_o controvert_v and_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a faculty_n in_o we_o appear_v from_o the_o universal_a appeal_n of_o all_o side_n and_o all_o sect_n to_o its_o tribunal_n not_o the_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a only_o but_o the_o loose_a and_o the_o vicious_a plead_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o action_n and_o in_o all_o the_o numberless_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n tho'_o only_o one_o side_n can_v have_v the_o warrant_n and_o countenance_n of_o reason_n yet_o all_o do_v pretend_v to_o it_o so_o that_o tho'_o there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v more_o frequent_o oppose_v and_o violate_v there_o be_v also_o none_o which_o be_v more_o unanimous_o own_v and_o universal_o acknowledge_v as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v before_o that_o life_n consist_v not_o in_o vital_a power_n and_o faculty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o as_o plain_a that_o in_o this_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o natural_a gift_n which_o distinguish_v man_n from_o beast_n and_o man_n from_o one_o another_o the_o hero_n from_o the_o caitiff_n and_o villain_n the_o philosopher_n from_o the_o fool_n and_o the_o saint_n from_o the_o sinner_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o order_n and_o dignity_n of_o (null)_o nature_n in_o this_o the_o beauty_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o in_o this_o the_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n this_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a to_o whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o office_n of_o reason_n be_v it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o rank_n we_o hold_v among_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n what_o station_n we_o fill_v in_o the_o world_n what_o our_o relation_n and_o dependency_n be_v what_o the_o duty_n and_o what_o the_o hope_n what_o the_o benefit_n and_o what_o the_o pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o each_o it_o be_v this_o which_o prescribe_v all_o our_o power_n and_o passion_n their_o order_n place_n and_o work_v it_o be_v this_o which_o distinguish_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v this_o which_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o inflame_v we_o with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o final_o it_o be_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o set_v a_o true_a rate_n and_o value_n upon_o all_o inferior_a thing_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o promote_v or_o obstruct_v our_o sovereign_a good_a happy_a therefore_o be_v that_o life_n where_o reason_n be_v the_o sovereign_a arbitrator_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o where_o the_o imagination_n and_o passion_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v yet_o servant_n and_o instrument_n of_o reason_n happy_a this_o life_n for_o it_o can_v neither_o want_v pleasure_n to_o entertain_v it_o nor_o business_n to_o employ_v it_o happy_a the_o soul_n which_o thus_o live_v for_o it_o shall_v never_o want_v comfort_n to_o support_v it_o hope_n to_o encourage_v it_o nor_o crown_n to_o reward_v it_o for_o as_o it_o grow_v in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o must_v it_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o its_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n its_o joy_n and_o expectation_n must_v receive_v a_o proportionable_a increase_n too_o chap._n iii_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n first_o to_o cultivate_v our_o reason_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o insist_v on_o with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o bear_v evil_n and_o enjoy_v good_n second_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o as_o fancy_n passion_n example_n custom_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o every_o state_n four_o that_o a_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n consider_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o life_n thus_o state_v it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o business_n be_v to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v reason_n for_o this_o as_o you_o have_v see_v be_v to_o be_v the_o guide_n and_o superintendent_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o arbiter_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n matth._n 6.23_o vigour_n and_o activity_n if_o reason_n do_v not_o steer_v they_o will_v but_o prove_v mischievous_a and_o fatal_a to_o we_o diligence_n and_o industry_n themselves_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o corrupt_v our_o nature_n and_o embroyl_n our_o life_n every_o deviation_n from_o reason_n be_v a_o deviation_n from_o our_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n the_o fool_n and_o the_o sinner_n do_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o do_v sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o those_o mischief_n which_o infest_v the_o world_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v our_o complaint_n so_o numerous_a and_o so_o bitter_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v we_o so_o weak_a and_o soft_a in_o adversity_n so_o restless_a and_o little_a satisfy_v even_o in_o prosperity_n itself_o it_o be_v this_o create_v all_o those_o disaster_n and_o disappointment_n which_o make_v we_o often_o quarrel_n at_o providence_n and_o curse_v our_o fortune_n the_o folly_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o god_n prov._n 19.3_o well_o therefore_o do_v the_o wiseman_n advise_v prov._n 4.7_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o withal_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o do_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o slight_a reflection_n upon_o the_o work_n or_o office_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a and_o general_a account_n before_o much_o more_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o three_o great_a point_n the_o employ_v our_o faculty_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o good_a and_o the_o bear_v evil_a first_o the_o employ_v etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n like_o a_o fertile_a field_n seem_v alike_o apt_a to_o produce_v either_o herb_n or_o weed_n the_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a evil_a or_o the_o great_a good_a the_o great_a good_a if_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n the_o great_a evil_n if_o blind_o and_o rash_o lead_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n what_o be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o fool_n but_o a_o shop_n of_o toy_n and_o trinket_n not_o the_o laboratory_n of_o a_o philosopher_n where_o a_o thousand_o vain_a trifle_n and_o empty_a idea_n flutter_v confuse_o up_o and_o down_o what_o his_o memory_n but_o a_o receptacle_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o folly_n of_o mean_a and_o shameful_a thing_n and_o action_n not_o a_o treasury_n of_o excellent_a truth_n lay_v up_o like_o ammunition_n and_o provision_n for_o
time_n both_o of_o peace_n and_o war_n what_o his_o heart_n but_o the_o rendezvouz_n of_o a_o thousand_o mutinous_a violent_a and_o dishonourable_a lust_n which_o rend_v and_o tear_v he_o worse_o than_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o man_n possess_v nay_o what_o be_v even_o fancy_n and_o wit_n itself_o if_o destitute_a of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o true_a reason_n but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sort_n of_o flash_n which_o dazzle_v but_o do_v not_o guide_v serve_v for_o amuzement_n rather_o than_o nourishment_n or_o delight_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n be_v very_o well_o pay_v if_o he_o be_v praise_v and_o starve_v which_o be_v general_o his_o fate_n in_o a_o word_n neither_o business_n nor_o diversion_n can_v have_v in_o they_o any_o thing_n true_o useful_a or_o true_o please_v if_o they_o be_v not_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o right_a reason_n and_o all_o the_o disposition_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v be_v but_o either_o lose_v upon_o foolery_n or_o abuse_v to_o our_o ruin_n second_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o fruition_n of_o good_n knowledge_n be_v like_a light_n shed_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n which_o discover_v all_o its_o various_a beauty_n and_o wondrous_a wealth_n which_o while_o darkness_n cover_v they_o be_v as_o tho'_o they_o have_v not_o be_v without_o reason_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v nor_o value_v our_o own_o happiness_n nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o blessing_n and_o good_n even_o tho'_o they_o crowd_n and_o throng_n upon_o we_o without_o this_o our_o very_a enjoyment_n will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o our_o repose_n and_o we_o shall_v meet_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o draught_n of_o pleasure_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o it_o require_v no_o small_a philosophy_n either_o to_o render_v business_n pleasant_a or_o pleasure_n innocent_a either_o to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n which_o a_o great_a birth_n or_o eminent_a station_n call_v man_n to_o or_o to_o employ_v that_o time_n which_o a_o ample_a fortune_n make_v they_o entire_o master_n of_o and_o to_o husband_n a_o life_n of_o ease_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o the_o best_a and_o fill_v it_o with_o virtue_n and_o honour_n ah_o how_o often_o have_v i_o see_v the_o vigour_n of_o nature_n dissolve_v by_o pleasure_n the_o edge_n and_o fineness_n of_o its_o part_n mat_v and_o blunt_v by_o sloth_n and_o softness_n how_o often_o have_v i_o see_v man_n render_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a by_o success_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o they_o be_v not_o big_a enough_o whereas_o have_v the_o mind_n be_v well_o cultivate_v and_o enrich_v with_o true_a wisdom_n pleasure_n and_o diversion_n themselves_o have_v refine_v and_o recruit_v nature_n and_o power_n honour_n and_o plenty_n have_v only_o place_v worth_n and_o greatness_n in_o a_o better_a light_n this_o be_v true_a in_o its_o proportion_n from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a station_n it_o require_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o govern_v and_o enjoy_v prosperity_n a_o obscure_a and_o narrow_a fortune_n be_v most_o convenient_a both_o to_o conceal_v and_o preserve_v a_o fool_n for_o plenty_n and_o power_n dignity_n and_o preferment_n do_v but_o expose_v he_o to_o scorn_n and_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o poor_a creature_n can_v perish_v or_o suffer_v alone_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v like_o a_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n overthrow_v the_o design_n and_o interest_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o and_o miserable_o betray_v the_o confidence_n repose_v in_o he_o but_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o to_o the_o good_n it_o be_v no_o less_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n for_o three_o reason_n be_v the_o pilot_n of_o (null)_o life_n and_o steer_v it_o steady_o through_o wild_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n amid_o the_o rock_n and_o shelf_n of_o lust_n and_o fancy_n fortune_n and_o folly_n ignorance_n error_n and_o a_o thousand_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o enable_v man_n to_o despise_v imaginary_a evil_n and_o vanquish_v real_a one_o it_o arm_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a and_o last_a magnanimity_n furnish_v it_o with_o solid_a comfort_n and_o teach_v it_o to_o extract_v life_n and_o health_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n out_o of_o the_o madness_n and_o mutability_n of_o man_n and_o fortune_n like_o antidote_n and_o cordial_n out_o of_o thing_n poisonous_a and_o baneful_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o after_o this_o account_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o it_o be_v of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n which_o sufficient_o show_v how_o essential_a it_o be_v to_o the_o be_v the_o ornament_n and_o felicity_n of_o (null)_o life_n if_o i_o have_v resolve_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o man_n to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v it_o sure_o all_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o inspire_a one_o have_v be_v of_o my_o opinion_n for_o their_o chief_n if_o not_o only_a design_n ever_o be_v either_o to_o obtain_v wisdom_n themselves_o or_o propagate_v it_o among_o other_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n himself_o have_v ever_o carry_v on_o this_o one_o design_n of_o advance_v wisdom_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o his_o law_n above_o those_o of_o man_n that_o these_o restrain_v the_o action_n but_o those_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n these_o punish_v offence_n and_o crime_n but_o those_o by_o inform_v the_o judgement_n and_o strengthen_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n prevent_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o and_o direct_v and_o instigate_v he_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a work_n that_o god_n and_o man_n invite_v we_o to_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v daily_a progress_n and_o proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o we_o shall_v incline_v our_o ear_n to_o wisdom_n and_o apply_v our_o heart_n to_o understanding_n that_o we_o shall_v seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o nature_n and_o state_n invite_v we_o too_o for_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o pleasure_n our_o success_n and_o our_o security_n our_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o in_o one_o word_n our_o true_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o second_o it_o easy_o follow_v from_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o life_n that_o we_o be_v to_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o direct_o oppose_v or_o secret_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o reason_n or_o any_o way_n obstruct_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o its_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n for_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o travail_v and_o labour_n to_o advance_v reason_n if_o afterward_o we_o refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o it_o reason_n if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v by_o it_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o increase_v our_o shame_n and_o guilt_n st._n peter_n think_v it_o better_a never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o we_o 2_o pet._n 2.21_o to_o stifle_v the_o spark_n of_o reason_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o wisdom_n and_o perfection_n by_o a_o lazy_a or_o vicious_a education_n be_v a_o great_a crime_n but_o to_o desert_n and_o betray_v our_o reason_n grow_v up_o to_o some_o maturity_n to_o hold_v it_o in_o captivity_n and_o fetter_n to_o defile_v and_o prostitute_v it_o by_o compel_v it_o to_o serve_v and_o flatter_v abominable_a passion_n this_o sure_a must_v be_v a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o expose_v the_o man_n to_o the_o scorn_n or_o pity_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rational_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o reproach_n and_o confusion_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n or_o if_o none_o of_o these_o mischief_n shall_v attend_v the_o contempt_n and_o profanation_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o more_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n miserable_a it_o precipitate_v he_o into_o all_o the_o irregularity_n and_o wildness_n imaginable_a nothing_o be_v so_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a so_o savage_a and_o untamable_a as_o those_o passion_n which_o be_v accustom_v to_o overpower_v and_o master_v reason_n it_o be_v from_o all_o this_o manifest_a that_o whoever_o love_v life_n and_o will_v experience_n it_o a_o real_a blessing_n must_v with_o all_o his_o power_n set_v himself_o to_o remove_v and_o defeat_v whatever_o may_v hinder_v his_o ready_a and_o entire_a submission_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n now_o the_o thing_n which_o enfeeble_v the_o
inseparable_o have_v thou_o unite_v virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o how_o natural_a be_v the_o assent_n from_o a_o rational_a life_n here_o to_o a_o glorious_a life_n hereafter_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o life_n they_o who_o handle_v moral_n nice_o and_o abstract_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o forget_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o subject_n which_o require_v to_o be_v handle_v after_o its_o own_o way_n that_o be_v practical_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v gross_o and_o corporeal_o for_o the_o mixture_n and_o variety_n the_o complication_n and_o confusion_n the_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o (null)_o affair_n and_o action_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o moral_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o speculative_a exactness_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o i_o will_v follow_v the_o receive_a division_n of_o life_n into_o active_a and_o contemplative_a as_o square_n exact_o with_o my_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o design_n under_o these_o head_n to_o treat_v of_o all_o the_o various_a kind_n or_o state_n of_o life_n i_o touch_v not_o the_o military_a the_o sacerdotal_a the_o scholastic_a life_n nor_o do_v i_o here_o use_v the_o word_n active_a and_o contemplative_a strict_o and_o nice_o but_o by_o the_o first_o i_o understand_v any_o sort_n of_o public_a life_n and_o any_o sort_n of_o private_a one_o by_o the_o last_o nor_o do_v i_o much_o concern_v myself_o whether_o the_o life_n of_o a_o trader_n or_o artisan_n be_v logical_o reducible_a under_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a and_o particular_a kind_n of_o life_n by_o itself_o but_o accommodate_v myself_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o pursue_v my_o own_o design_n without_o any_o scrupulous_a regard_n to_o word_n or_o form_n i_o will_v discourse_v first_o of_o a_o civil_a second_o of_o a_o trade_n or_o negotiate_v and_o three_o of_o a_o private_a and_o retire_a life_n have_v first_o in_o a_o preliminary_a chapter_n say_v something_o in_o general_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n and_o the_o reason_n or_o ground_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v and_o determine_v man_n in_o his_o election_n of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o chap._n i._n the_o convenience_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o active_a and_o contemplative_a life_n the_o active_a more_o necessary_a the_o several_a ground_n on_o which_o man_n determine_v their_o choice_n that_o be_v interest_n providence_n inclination_n etc._n etc._n the_o felicity_n or_o infelicity_n of_o man_n depend_v not_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o his_o course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o consider_v which_o of_o these_o two_o kind_n the_o active_a or_o contemplative_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v if_o they_o be_v compare_v in_o themselves_o the_o active_a seem_v to_o have_v more_o in_o it_o of_o glory_n but_o also_o more_o of_o hazard_n it_o seem_v more_o serviceable_a to_o other_o but_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o a_o man_n self_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v render_v each_o state_n perfect_a and_o remove_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o each_o must_v study_v how_o to_o relieve_v the_o toil_n and_o obviate_v the_o hazard_n of_o the_o active_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o barrenness_n and_o ingloriousness_n of_o the_o contemplative_a life_n but_o which_o soever_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o active_a life_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o indispensible_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o (null)_o society_n such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o various_a necessity_n it_o require_v the_o various_a relief_n of_o manifold_a assistance_n to_o which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o contribute_v his_o share_n we_o have_v mind_n that_o must_v be_v cultivate_v body_n that_o must_v be_v provide_v for_o the_o state_n either_o of_o war_n or_o peace_n have_v its_o several_a want_n all_o which_o call_v for_o several_a art_n to_o wage_v the_o one_o and_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v the_o other_o without_o these_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o defence_n in_o war_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o peace_n without_o these_o (null)_o life_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o savage_a and_o (null)_o nature_n will_v be_v uncultivated_a and_o unsociable_a without_o these_o our_o house_n have_v still_o be_v cave_n and_o grot_n our_o food_n acorn_n and_o water_n our_o clothing_n the_o spoil_n of_o beast_n and_o the_o speculative_a man_n will_v soon_o suffer_v those_o necessity_n which_o will_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o live_v in_o a_o world_n and_o in_o a_o body_n which_o require_v more_o at_o his_o hand_n than_o mere_a muse_n and_o think_v and_o will_v soon_o force_v he_o to_o give_v over_o his_o speculation_n for_o the_o more_o necessary_a inquiry_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v content_a with_o that_o provision_n which_o nature_n unay_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n will_v yield_v he_o and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o promise_v himself_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o mighty_a blessing_n without_o law_n and_o arm_n the_o undisciplined_a rabble_n will_v disturb_v his_o muse_n avarice_n and_o violence_n will_v invade_v his_o walk_n and_o drive_v he_o from_o his_o little_a cottage_n and_o brook_n where_o he_o have_v choose_v his_o retreat_n for_o these_o and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o reason_n the_o world_n have_v enroll_v the_o author_n and_o inventor_n of_o law_n and_o art_n among_o their_o god_n and_o have_v grateful_o record_v the_o memory_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n and_o holy_a writ_n itself_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o do_v honour_n to_o all_o such_o for_o it_o have_v register_v the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o have_v excel_v in_o any_o thing_n beneficial_a to_o the_o public_a but_o however_o this_o be_v whatever_o be_v the_o excellence_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o active_a above_o a_o contemplative_a life_n either_o consider_v in_o itself_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o serviceableness_n and_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n general_o speak_v be_v not_o determine_v to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o by_o these_o consideration_n but_o by_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o often_o render_v that_o which_o be_v less_o excellent_a in_o itself_o more_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o thus_o sometime_o education_n train_v man_n up_o shall_v i_o say_v or_o condemn_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a kind_n of_o life_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o other_o prevent_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o own_o sometime_o the_o solicitation_n of_o friend_n carry_v we_o against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n and_o sometime_o a_o lucky_a and_o unexpected_a providence_n free_v we_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o perplex_a deliberation_n and_o lead_v we_o on_o in_o method_n which_o (null)_o prudence_n can_v not_o have_v contrive_v but_o most_o common_o of_o all_o we_o take_v counsel_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o state_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o fortune_n how_o much_o be_v to_o be_v defer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v decide_v against_o necessity_n we_o can_v dispute_v against_o the_o invitation_n of_o providence_n we_o ought_v not_o if_o we_o have_v but_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v too_o too_o often_o that_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o courage_n make_v we_o call_v that_o necessity_n which_o be_v not_o and_o the_o flattery_n of_o our_o hope_n make_v we_o interpret_v our_o dream_n or_o fancy_n divine_a augury_n or_o presage_n as_o to_o friend_n and_o interest_n i_o confess_v with_o the_o ingenious_a sir_n henry_n wotton_n that_o a_o expert_a man_n do_v more_o easy_o get_v up_o into_o the_o saddle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o stirrup_n than_o a_o much_o strong_a by_o 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of_o retirement_n we_o shall_v be_v persecute_v with_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n with_o which_o vanity_n disorder_n and_o distraction_n be_v wont_a to_o disquiet_v a_o active_a and_o busy_a life_n this_o be_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o circumstance_n ought_v to_o govern_v we_o in_o choose_v the_o place_n of_o our_o retreat_n but_o especial_o a_o regard_n to_o such_o duty_n wherein_o we_o propose_v to_o spend_v the_o big_a portion_n of_o our_o time_n three_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o these_o several_a thing_n offer_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o my_o thought_n business_n diversion_n friendship_n meditation_n as_o comprise_v all_o the_o several_a act_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n and_o measure_v out_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o ascetick_n time_n first_o of_o business_n i_o have_v before_o say_v that_o a_o life_n of_o mere_a contemplation_n be_v above_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o man_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o long_a or_o regular_a contemplation_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o wise_a way_n for_o most_o be_v not_o to_o discharge_v and_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o temporal_a engagement_n but_o only_o from_o such_o as_o will_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o their_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o main_a business_n and_o employment_n so_o many_o indeed_o be_v our_o error_n and_o sin_n so_o frail_a tender_a and_o weak_a our_o virtue_n that_o to_o correct_v the_o one_o and_o confirm_v the_o other_o be_v business_n enough_o and_o may_v of_o itself_o easy_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o life_n if_o we_o pursue_v diligent_o all_o the_o method_n of_o the_o improvement_n and_o advancement_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o art_n or_o employment_n to_o spend_v or_o divert_v our_o time_n he_o that_o beside_o a_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o public_a devotion_n sacrament_n and_o sermon_n bestow_v some_o time_n each_o day_n on_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o blessing_n god_n for_o his_o mercy_n on_o examine_v his_o present_a state_n and_o establish_v his_o future_a hope_n he_o that_o spend_v each_o day_n but_o a_o few_o thought_n on_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o redeemer_n on_o the_o vanity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o final_o on_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o withal_o on_o the_o various_a art_n by_o which_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v wont_a to_o cheat_v or_o surprise_v he_o to_o tempt_v or_o deceive_v he_o will_n i_o believe_v find_v but_o few_o hour_n to_o waste_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o much_o time_n the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o some_o relative_n or_o other_o take_v up_o and_o this_o call_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o own_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o office_n of_o charity_n to_o which_o humanity_n and_o our_o christian_a profession_n if_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o church-membership_n do_v oblige_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n the_o preservation_n of_o law_n the_o promote_a public_a piety_n the_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a the_o relief_n of_o the_o needy_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a the_o protection_n of_o the_o injure_v these_o and_o such_o like_a occasion_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o rouse_v our_o zeal_n and_o employ_v our_o charity_n and_o these_o be_v work_n which_o will_v turn_v to_o as_o good_a if_o not_o a_o better_a account_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v than_o solitary_a virtue_n and_o certain_o they_o turn_v to_o
their_o temporal_a effect_n seem_v to_o equal_a wisdom_n and_o folly_n and_o level_a righteousness_n with_o wickedness_n assert_v the_o promiscuousness_n of_o all_o event_n to_o the_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n eccles_n 9.2_o and_o this_o be_v extend_v as_o far_o as_o death_n itself_o how_o die_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o the_o fool_n eccles_n 2.16_o innumerable_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o one_o only_o fit_v my_o purpose_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o these_o be_v rhetorical_a exaggeration_n of_o (null)_o vanity_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v their_o natural_a passion_n and_o therefore_o divine_a write_n have_v their_o figure_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o (null)_o these_o therefore_o and_o the_o like_a speech_n design_v not_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o virtue_n or_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o to_o humble_v the_o vanity_n of_o man_n and_o convert_v his_o fondness_n for_o this_o world_n into_o a_o great_a for_o a_o better_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o general_a and_o unlimited_a sense_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n but_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o so_o universal_o exempt_a from_o temporal_a evil_n but_o that_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o in_o all_o age_n be_v liable_a to_o they_o even_o to_o a_o untimely_a death_n itself_o but_o what_o then_o such_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o a_o inscrutable_a providence_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n or_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n than_o some_o few_o shipwreck_n ought_v to_o discredit_v navigation_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o some_o few_o trader_n disparage_v art_n and_o industry_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o experience_a and_o skilful_a the_o careful_a and_o diligent_a do_v general_o sail_v and_o trade_n successful_o and_o this_o may_v in_o part_n suffice_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o another_o objection_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o only_o that_o this_o relate_v to_o all_o event_n in_o general_a but_o the_o objection_n follow_v to_o a_o particular_a one_o if_o long_a life_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n at_o present_a and_o recommend_v man_n to_o great_a afterward_o and_o if_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v on_o both_o these_o account_n entitle_v to_o it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o a_o immature_n death_n snatch_v away_o sometime_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o it_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o very_a progress_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o full_a career_n towards_o perfection_n and_o glory_n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 2._o i_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o early_a death_n which_o intercept_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o grow_a virtue_n shall_v bereave_v the_o virtue_n of_o any_o degree_n of_o that_o future_a glory_n to_o which_o such_o fruit_n will_v have_v entitle_v they_o i_o shall_v rather_o think_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o have_v complete_v their_o perfection_n in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v in_o a_o little_a time_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o by_o what_o they_o do_v do_v give_v such_o plain_a proof_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v that_o god_n reward_v their_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v the_o action_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o hasten_v to_o take_v they_o to_o himself_o but_o however_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o be_o content_a to_o believe_v 3._o that_o as_o god_n order_v all_o the_o particular_a event_n of_o life_n to_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_v he_o so_o much_o more_o must_v he_o dispose_v this_o big_a event_n that_o befall_v a_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v death_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o this_o immature_n death_n be_v doubtless_o to_o the_o righteous_a better_a than_o life_n tho'_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v why_o they_o die_v in_o their_o perfection_n their_o glory_n yet_o unsullied_a their_o felicity_n unstained_a no_o vile_a temptation_n no_o misfortune_n have_v yet_o triumph_v over_o they_o a_o advantage_n which_o we_o much_o admire_v when_o we_o see_v great_a and_o good_a man_n surprise_v or_o overpowr_v by_o weakness_n and_o calamity_n for_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o death_n have_v come_v soon_o it_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a for_o they_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o dead_a like_a corn_n into_o the_o granary_n before_o unseasonable_a or_o immoderate_a rain_n have_v corrupt_v it_o or_o any_o malignant_a vapour_n blast_v it_o last_o i_o know_v not_o how_o heaven_n have_v deal_v with_o these_o its_o favourite_n peradventure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a as_o in_o the_o political_a world_n some_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o greatness_n which_o other_o acquire_v with_o labour_n he_o never_o die_v to_o soon_o who_o die_v ripe_a and_o perfect_a and_o if_o these_o divine_a soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n enrich_v with_o more_o light_n and_o beauty_n with_o more_o impetuous_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n than_o those_o of_o other_o of_o other_o man_n if_o their_o short_a life_n be_v so_o innocent_a so_o bright_a that_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a grace_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o particular_a preeminence_n they_o need_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o trial_n the_o discipline_n and_o purgation_n of_o it_o on_o either_o of_o these_o supposal_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o commiserate_v but_o revere_a their_o fate_n chap._n iii_o of_o improve_n life_n or_o live_a much_o in_o a_o little_a time_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o improve_n or_o exalt_v life_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o notion_n three_o way_n of_o improve_n life_n sect._n 1_o by_o perfect_a nature_n man_n and_o life_n mean_v thing_n till_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n stamp_v a_o value_n on_o they_o this_o particular_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o affection_n sect._n 2._o by_o beginning_n to_o live_v betimes_o or_o at_o least_o immediate_o no_o objection_n against_o become_v present_o wise_a and_o happy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o become_v so_o a_o exhortation_n address_v 1._o to_o the_o young_a 2._o to_o those_o advance_v in_o year_n close_v with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sect._n 3_o by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v injurious_a to_o life_n as_o sloth_n impertinence_n remissness_n or_o coldness_n in_o religion_n levity_n and_o inconstancy_n some_o other_o direction_n defer_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o here_o aim_v at_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o improvement_n or_o exaltation_n of_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o life_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n the_o rational_a exercise_n the_o wise_a employment_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o live_v just_a as_o much_o as_o we_o act_n and_o enjoy_v i_o mean_v always_o rational_o that_o as_o we_o advance_v and_o grow_v up_o towards_o a_o perfection_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o be_v life_n also_o raise_v and_o refine_a thus_o if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o think_v to_o discover_v and_o contemplate_v truth_n and_o goodness_n then_o sure_o its_o life_n be_v enlarge_v with_o knowledge_n if_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v admire_v and_o love_v true_a good_a then_o certain_o our_o life_n be_v perfect_v with_o our_o virtue_n and_o augment_v with_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o life_n of_o man_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o animal_n spirit_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n if_o the_o true_a health_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o regularity_n of_o his_o pulse_n but_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o affection_n if_o final_o the_o thing_n call_v life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o hour_n and_o
little_a troublesome_a in_o the_o beginning_n do_v soon_o grow_v easy_a and_o delightful_a too_o in_o this_o sense_n must_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o author_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la chap._n 4.17_o 18._o tho'_o render_v a_o little_a harsh_o for_o at_o the_o first_o she_o that_o be_v wisdom_n will_v walk_v with_o he_o by_o crooked_a way_n and_o bring_v fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o he_o and_o torment_v he_o with_o her_o discipline_n until_o she_o may_v trust_v his_o soul_n and_o try_v he_o by_o her_o law_n then_o will_v she_o return_v the_o straight-way_n unto_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o show_v he_o her_o secret_n second_o impertinence_n or_o be_v busy_v and_o employ_v in_o trifle_n be_v indeed_o as_o different_a from_o sloth_n as_o motion_n from_o rest_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o wretched_a consumption_n of_o time_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o life_n for_o this_o be_v not_o activity_n of_o soul_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a debase_v of_o it_o fancy_n and_o that_o a_o silly_a and_o extravigant_a one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o live_v but_o reason_n can_v that_o idleness_n which_o consist_v in_o heavy_a passive_a dulness_n be_v like_o a_o state_n of_o sleep_n without_o dream_n or_o fancy_n that_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o flutter_a and_o impertinent_a activity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o giddy_a ferment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o fancy_n the_o incoherent_a disjoint_v thought_n the_o confuse_a and_o fruitless_a project_n and_o attempt_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o we_o may_v almost_o as_o proper_o say_v of_o he_o that_o dream_n that_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v fight_v or_o travel_n or_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n himself_o to_o do_v as_o we_o can_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o sluggard_n that_o he_o live_v it_o be_v true_a can_v a_o man_n be_v for_o ever_o impertinent_a this_o sort_n of_o idleness_n will_v seem_v to_o some_o man_n to_o have_v no_o great_a evil_n in_o it_o but_o how_o can_v such_o a_o mind_n bear_v the_o shock_n of_o (null)_o misfortune_n how_o can_v such_o a_o soul_n discharge_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o (null)_o society_n how_o can_v it_o entertain_v itself_o with_o object_n agreeable_a to_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o miserable_a for_o tho'_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o creature_n to_o be_v so_o mere_a a_o trifle_n as_o never_o to_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o any_o change_n of_o fortune_n nor_o ever_o call_v upon_o by_o that_o community_n he_o belong_v to_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v almost_o say_v never_o to_o be_v regard_v or_o mind_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o still_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o way_n live_v up_o to_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o business_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v not_o manly_a and_o rational_a and_o his_o childish_a life_n be_v therefore_o only_o pretty_a and_o please_a to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v a_o childish_a and_o silly_a soul_n nor_o be_v the_o grave_a much_o better_a than_o the_o gay_a impertinent_a or_o the_o man_n of_o business_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o main_a the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o man_n of_o mode_n sensuality_n it_o be_v true_a soften_v and_o drudgery_n harden_v the_o mind_n but_o both_o alike_o intoxicate_a it_o both_o wed_v it_o to_o this_o and_o alienate_v it_o from_o the_o other_o world_n it_o import_v very_o little_a to_o what_o idol_n one_o do_v sacrifice_n whether_o ashtaroth_n molock_n or_o mammon_n if_o we_o sacrifice_v not_o to_o the_o true_a god_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o art_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o live_v to_o plod_v or_o drudge_n intriegue_n or_o trade_n canvas_n and_o court_n it_o be_v all_o but_o solemn_a impertinence_n if_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v neglect_v ah_o what_o phantom_n and_o cloud_n and_o dream_n do_v man_n pursue_v and_o hunt_v after_o instead_o of_o life_n and_o peace_n of_o rest_n and_o pleasure_n three_o remissness_n or_o lukewarmness_n in_o religion_n a_o sort_n of_o neutrality_n between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v we_o can_v never_o true_o live_v unless_o we_o be_v entire_o uniform_a unless_o we_o be_v whole_o give_v up_o and_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n in_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o ardour_n and_o fervency_n in_o it_o it_o be_v love_n make_v the_o duty_n easy_a and_o the_o prospect_n delightful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o faith_n no_o life_n in_o devotion_n no_o spirit_n in_o duty_n â—o_o desire_v in_o hope_n this_o be_v religion_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o carcase_n of_o a_o unanimate_v virtue_n what_o peace_n what_o assurance_n what_o joy_n what_o transport_n can_v ever_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a four_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o will_v now_o mention_v and_o the_o most_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o life_n for_o this_o do_v not_o only_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o life_n or_o like_o sleep_n or_o sloth_n make_v a_o vast_a casm_n or_o gap_n in_o it_o but_o put_v we_o more_o back_n than_o we_o have_v advance_v forward_o a_o unhappy_a gust_n of_o wind_n that_o throw_v we_o off_o to_o sea_n again_o when_o we_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o shore_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o victory_n we_o must_v pursue_v it_o if_o we_o will_v find_v rest_n we_o must_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v virtue_n we_o must_v unite_v and_o incorporate_v it_o with_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o unconstant_a unstable_a proselyte_n of_o virtue_n shall_v either_o have_v a_o pleasant_a life_n or_o a_o comfortable_a death_n for_o if_o he_o build_v to_o day_n what_o he_o pull_v down_o yesterday_o if_o he_o practise_v one_o hour_n what_o he_o condemn_v another_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v please_v himself_o much_o less_o his_o god_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_n and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o the_o good_n of_o life_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o important_a rule_n conduce_v to_o happiness_n and_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v insist_v on_o here_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o tire_v and_o since_o this_o may_v better_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o head_n of_o indolence_n and_o fruition_n i_o will_v defer_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o till_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o which_o i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o do_v if_o i_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o not_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v impertinent_a if_o i_o can_v serve_v the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v it_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 13._o line_n 12._o read_v contemptible_a p._n 68_o l._n 21._o r._n single_a p._n 90._o l._n 6._o r._n ease_n p._n 134._o l._n 12._o r._n ripen_v p._n 134._o l._n 15._o r._n place_n a_o catalogue_n of_o book_n print_v for_o and_o and_o sell_v by_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n enquiry_n after_o happiness_n vol._n in_o octavo_n the_o duty_n of_o servant_n contain_v first_o their_o preparation_n for_o and_o choice_n of_o a_o service_n second_o their_o duty_n in_o service_n towards_o god_n their_o master_n and_o themselves_o together_o with_o suitable_a prayer_n to_o each_o duty_n and_o some_o direction_n peculiar_o to_o servant_n for_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n both_o write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o practical_a christianity_n octavo_fw-la a_o treatise_n of_o self-examination_n in_o order_n to_o the_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n twelve_o price_n 1_o s._n a_o sermon_n about_o frequent_a communion_n preach_v before_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n by_o tho._n smith_n d._n d._n quarto_fw-la of_o the_o high_a veneration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n peculiarly_a for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n octavo_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o mr._n tho._n lamb_n july_n 23._o 1686._o by_o rich._n lucas_n m._n a._n vicar_n of_o st._n stephen_n coleman-street_n 1686._o the_o history_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o the_o french_a king_n in_o the_o principality_n of_o orange_n from_o the_o year_n 1660._o to_o the_o year_n 1687._o write_a by_o mr._n p._n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n in_o quarto_n 1689._o price_n 1_o s._n a_o discourse_n about_o discern_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n mary_n magdalen_n de_fw-fr pazzi_n a_o carmelite_n nun._n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o nature_n cause_n concomitant_n and_o consequence_n of_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n octavo_fw-la 1688._o remark_n upon_o popery_n represent_v and_o
day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n but_o by_o activity_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n then_o sure_o i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o more_o regular_o and_o constant_o we_o pursue_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o more_o active_o and_o vigorous_o we_o be_v carry_v on_o towards_o that_o which_o be_v our_o proper_a good_a so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o live_v so_o much_o the_o more_o rich_a and_o racie_n the_o more_o true_a natural_a and_o pure_a be_v life_n and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o other_o philosophy_n than_o what_o the_o wiseman_n have_v long_o ago_o advance_v for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n wisdom_n 4._o 8_o 9_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o too_o vast_a a_o importance_n to_o be_v a_o new_a one_o for_o be_v it_o but_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v it_o will_v relieve_v all_o the_o pressure_n and_o redress_v all_o the_o grievance_n of_o (null)_o life_n we_o complain_v of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v dull_a and_o nautious_a we_o impeach_v it_o a_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n how_o will_v this_o one_o notion_n well_o pursue_v soon_o silence_v all_o these_o complaint_n he_o will_v never_o think_v life_n too_o short_a who_o where_o ripe_a for_o death_n he_o will_v never_o complain_v that_o life_n be_v uncertain_a who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o die_v he_o will_v not_o accuse_v life_n of_o dulness_n and_o nauseousness_n who_o be_v daily_o advance_v his_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o enlarge_a his_o possession_n of_o good_a nor_o will_v he_o ever_o charge_v it_o with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n be_v his_o action_n still_o wise_a and_o rational_a for_o thus_o every_o act_n of_o life_n will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o fruition_n too_o be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n and_o attend_v by_o a_o delightful_a approbation_n and_o complacency_n of_o conscience_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v namely_o to_o compensate_a the_o shortness_n by_o the_o excellence_n of_o life_n and_o redress_v the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o it_o by_o its_o perfection_n a_o design_n i_o confess_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a mind_n and_o a_o more_o elevate_a fancy_n than_o i_o a_o design_n demand_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o active_a and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n a_o design_n in_o a_o word_n that_o require_v at_o once_o the_o prudence_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o bloom_a year_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o contribute_v the_o little_a i_o can_v towards_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o owe_v myself_o and_o mankind_n let_v i_o not_o therefore_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o my_o subject_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o my_o reader_n i_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o my_o way_n and_o as_o i_o be_o able_a it_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o i_o do_v not_o and_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o i_o beside_o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o whole_a strength_n tho'_o this_o be_v little_a have_v destine_v a_o entire_a volume_n to_o (null)_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o shall_v here_o discourse_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o in_o very_o general_a term_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n all_o the_o advice_n i_o shall_v offer_v here_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n second_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v betimes_o or_o if_o we_o can_v now_o do_v that_o our_o year_n be_v far_o spend_v that_o we_o begin_v to_o live_v immediate_o three_o that_o we_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o our_o true_a life_n sect._n 1_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v our_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o will_v be_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n just_a as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v do_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o that_o of_o hear_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o ear_n so_o much_o and_o much_o more_o do_v the_o beauty_n of_o (null)_o action_n and_o the_o gust_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n depend_v upon_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o render_v this_o argument_n yet_o more_o visible_a and_o palpable_a let_v we_o consider_v how_o mean_a a_o thing_n man_n be_v and_o how_o contemptible_a life_n without_o cultivation_n or_o improvement_n the_o body_n be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o dust_n something_o there_o needs_o to_o stamp_v a_o value_n upon_o it_o something_o there_o must_v be_v to_o give_v sweetness_n to_o the_o eye_n charm_v to_o the_o tongue_n and_o grace_n to_o motion_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n alike_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n or_o mercy_n of_o lust_n or_o chastity_n of_o avarice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v religion_n must_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v it_o it_o be_v wisdom_n must_v conduct_v and_o guide_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a action_n the_o spirit_n within_o we_o be_v a_o volatile_a mutable_a unsteady_a thing_n capable_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o impression_n suspend_v as_o it_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n float_v between_o the_o different_a shore_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n form_n it_o into_o angel_n stamp_v a_o sort_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v great_a it_o be_v wisdom_n that_o imprint_n it_o with_o bright_a idea_n that_o impregnate_v it_o with_o noble_a passion_n and_o determine_v its_o tendency_n towards_o its_o true_a good_a and_o supreme_a felicity_n our_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o dull_a intercourse_n of_o form_n and_o ceremony_n and_o civility_n a_o nauseous_a circulation_n of_o the_o same_o tasteless_a and_o superficial_a entertainment_n a_o tedious_a and_o repeat_v pursuit_n of_o vain_a mistake_v end_n and_o often_o baffle_v design_n it_o be_v virtue_n and_o knowledge_n that_o give_v gust_n and_o relish_v to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o our_o action_n that_o lead_v we_o on_o towards_o excellent_a end_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o immortal_a hope_n our_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o a_o fluctuate_a unstable_a agitation_n make_v up_o of_o a_o confuse_a and_o motley_n variety_n of_o event_n knowledge_n and_o virtue_n fix_v the_o float_a island_n and_o give_v light_a and_o beauty_n to_o the_o chaos_n i_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o argument_n too_o far_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o particulary_a consider_v what_o accession_n or_o increase_n of_o life_n we_o derive_v from_o perfect_v our_o nature_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n true_a life_n than_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o active_a and_o industrious_a the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a motion_n of_o the_o sluggard_n be_v but_o a_o faint_a imitation_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o disease_a languish_a thing_n a_o compound_n or_o mixture_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o of_o death_n than_o life_n do_v life_n consist_v in_o fruition_n how_o dark_a and_o dismal_a be_v those_o of_o the_o wicked_a compare_v to_o the_o calm_a and_o bright_a day_n of_o the_o good_a for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v like_o enjoyment_n to_o that_o man_n who_o dare_v make_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o past_a nor_o can_v entertain_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o who_o mind_n concur_v not_o with_o his_o present_a passion_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o the_o senseless_a design_n he_o be_v upon_o do_v life_n last_o consist_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n of_o goodness_n how_o scanty_a narrow_a and_o beggarly_a be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o fool_n and_o sinner_n compare_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a tully_n say_v one_o virtuous_a day_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o sinful_a immortality_n this_o be_v true_a in_o the_o present_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o life_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n or_o state_n of_o insensibleness_n and_o death_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o object_n worthy_a of_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o employ_v